Monday Afternoon News, January 20

Two People Die As Result Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) - Officials say two Mason City residents have died of apparent carbon monoxide poisoning. 67-year-old Thomas Jimenez and his 80-year-old wife, Carmen Jimenez, were found dead just after 4 p.m. Saturday in their home. Police had checked on the couple after a relative called out of concern for not hearing from the couple since Thursday. Police found the doors locked and had to break in. Once inside, police discovered the couple lifeless. Police say carbon monoxide levels were strong enough that one officer was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released. Fire Chief Bob Platts says the situation remains under investigation. ---

Hatch Releases Financial Campaign Report

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Democratic candidate for governor Jack Hatch has nearly $240,000 in his campaign account, far less than the millions that Republican Gov. Terry Branstad has amassed for his re-election bid. Hatch - a state lawmaker from Des Moines - filed a campaign finance report with the state Sunday. According to the report, Hatch raised about $300,000 in 2013. He and his wife loaned another $140,000 to the campaign. After expenses, Hatch had almost $240,000 left in cash. Branstad announced earlier this month that he had $4.1 million on hand for his campaign. He officially declared last week that he would seek an unprecedented sixth term in office. Hatch is considered the leading Democrat in the race and is trying to present himself as a progressive alternative to Branstad.

Pork Producers Prepare For Pork Congress

(Des Moines) -- The state's pork producers will gather in Des Moines this week for the annual Iowa Pork Congress, and spokesperson Ron Birkenholst says producers will discuss various resolutions as it relates to the pork industry.

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In recent weeks, Tyson Foods and Smithfield Foods have both announced new policies for pork production that calls for the phasing out the use of farrowing stalls and gestation stalls for pregnant sows. Birkenholst expects producers to discuss the issue during the Iowa Pork Congress.

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The Iowa Pork Congress will also host the largest indoor pork-specific trade show scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

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The Pork Producer spokesperson says the industry is still introducing "the other white meat" to chefs in Iowa restaurants, and a dozen chefs will compete this evening for the "Taste of Elegance".

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The annual awards banquet is scheduled for Wednesday evening, and the pork producers will again feature their winter picnic served during the lunch hour in downtown Des Moines.

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State Senator Joe Sing, a Democrat from Davenport serves as the chair for the Senate Agriculture Committee. Sing is a veterinarian by trade. Although some pork processors have advocated producers to modify or change their method of hog production, especially for pregnant sows, and a few states have adopted rules to abandon the use of gestation stalls and farrowing stalls, Sing doesn't expect any legislation to be introduced relating to the use of farrowing stalls. But he is interested in knowing if the topic will be discussed at this week's Iowa Pork Congress.

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Jury Selection To Start On Man Accused Of Killing Son

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) - Jury selection is expected to begin Tuesday for a 25-year-old central Iowa man accused of killing his infant son more than two years ago. Joseph Olea is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. His son, Kaiden Olea, died Jan. 15, 2012, after being taken to a hospital in Newton on Jan. 10, 2012. The Iowa State Medical Examiner's Office says the boy died of blunt force injuries to his head and neck. The boy's mother, 26-year-old Chelsea Miller, is charged with child endangerment resulting in death. Prosecutors say she left Kaiden in his father's care despite knowing that Joseph Olea had violent tendencies. She's pleaded not guilty, and her trial is scheduled to begin March 5. ---